Curtain Up! … with Camille Bounds: South Valley Civic Theatre’s ‘Kinky Boots’ struts its stuff in high-heeled hijinks

“Kinky Boots” proves to be more than just a story about shoes.

The cast of South Valley Civic Theatre’s production of “Kinky Boots” goes through a dress rehearsal. Photo courtesy Elizabeth Mandel

By Camille Bounds

Camille Bounds

“Kinky Boots” kicks up a joyously wild romp at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, offering a heartwarming blend of humor, music, and life lessons.

South Valley Civic Theatre’s production of this Tony Award-winning musical is a laugh-out-loud fun evening out. Featuring music by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, it tells the true story of a struggling shoe factory in Northampton, England, that finds new life by creating sturdy high-heeled boots for drag performers.

Ken Christopher shines as “Charlie Price,” the reluctant heir to his father’s shoe factory. When faced with the factory’s impending closure, Charlie finds an unlikely savior in “Lola,” a fabulous drag queen brilliantly portrayed by Jery Rosas.

Christopher’s performance brings depth to what could have been a bland everyman role. He takes on the character with relish, reluctantly accepting the audacious idea of jumping into a niche market to save the jobs of his employees and the economic life of the community. But the true star of the show is Rosas. His portrayal of the outrageous Lola balances masculinity and femininity with ease, bringing both power and pride to the role. His vocal prowess shines especially in the show-stopping power ballad “Hold Me in Your Heart.”

Photo by Elizabeth Mandel

Katherine Ares rounds out the lead trio as “Lauren,” Charlie’s supportive childhood friend who embraces the factory’s unconventional new direction. She delivers one of the show’s standout numbers with the comedic song “The History of Wrong Guys” that delivers a pop-rock feel with a catchy, energetic melody. A special shout-out to the ensemble of drag queens known as “the Angels.” They bring spectacular flair and impressive acrobatics to their scenes.

Director Whitney Pintello, making a welcome return to SVCT after co-founding Gilroy’s Pintello Comedy Theater, keeps the show moving at a breakneck pace. Choreographer Christine Carrillo brings elements from Broadway and West End productions, elevating the local performance to near-professional quality.

The show’s fast-paced pop/rock score features both showstopping numbers and touching ballads. One particularly poignant moment finds Charlie and Lola reflecting on their struggles to meet their fathers’ expectations, adding depth to the characters.

While the show’s message of acceptance may be familiar, “Kinky Boots” makes it fresh and fun through its vibrant music, enthusiastic cast, and wild choreography. As Pintello notes, the theme of embracing differences is woven in spectacularly, without feeling heavy-handed.

I found myself thoroughly entertained by the quality of the performances, the vivacity of the staging, and the show’s unabashed celebration of its subject matter. This production proves once again SVCT can deliver high-quality entertainment that both entertains and inspires. With its mix of toe-tapping music and heel-kicking fun, the show is sure to leave audiences uplifted and amused.

In the end, “Kinky Boots” proves to be more than just a story about shoes. It’s a heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships, self-discovery, and the power of accepting others — and yourself — just as you are. With its blend of humor, heart, and high-kicks, this production is winning its South Valley audiences one fabulous boot at a time.

“Kinky Boots” runs through July 20. For tickets and information, visit www.svct.org.

Camille Bounds reviews theater productions for Gilroy Life.